Criminal governance during the pandemic
Criminal governance is complex, and part of a larger mosaic of authority, which isn’t always antagonistic or opposed to how the state wants to govern. Rather than usurping the state’s power, the current health crisis actually reflects a case where both state and criminal interests could be quite convergent.
Governments around the world have attempted to halt the spread of the pandemic while managing the economic costs of lockdown measures. However, some of their responses have been inadequate, with financial relief packages and institutional responses being too slow or too small. The crisis has placed severe pressure on government institutions and revealed organizational limits and social tensions in the process. Consequently, the need for active governance has increased.
COVID-19 became an opportunity for OCGs (organised crime group) to strengthen their influence on the local population. Since the beginning of rhe crisis, some governing authorities have been unable to enforce widespread lockdowns. They have reacted slowly and have lacked the resources to provide proper economic help. That's why, OCGs have stepped in to exploit the situation. They have in effect served as governing bodies, enforcing quarantine measures and providing assistance within the territories they control.
For example, in Brazil, drug traffickers from the Red Command in the Ciudade de Deus favela of Rio de Janeiro have gone door to door and used loudspeakers to impose curfews, threatening residents with violence if they leave their homes outside of designated hours. In El Salvador, street gangs were enforcing a curfew issued by the government in the poor neighborhoods they controlled. In Colombia, current and former guerrillas threatened citizens who defied the strict government lockdown in rural areas.
OCGs acted to boost their reputation as “bona fide” protectors during the lockdown by delivering aid packages to citizens. For example, Los Viagras posted videos in which armed individuals distributed bags of groceries from the back of a pickup truck, while the other cartels printed their logos on the packages they delivered. They made it to ensure that even those who did not receive supplies became aware that criminal groups were the ones who had helped.
Yakuza groups in Japan also delivered necessities and tried to boost their reputation through publicity stunts. In February, Yamaguchi-Gumi associates handed out free masks, toilet paper, and tissues to pharmacies and kindergartens.
Another example of criminal governance during COVID-19 is price control. As demand for disinfectants and masks skyrocketed, prices dramatically increased, placing a heavy burden on people. Imposing price controls is ordinarily the prerogative of the State. However, significant delays in food stamps,taxation and other social measures opened the door for forms of illicit governance that are designed to create and strengthen allegiance.
The strengthening of criminal governance during crises is not a new development
The COVID-19 is not the first time OCGs have been impacted by catastrophic, world-changing events. We can draw parallels to other historical examples like the successful evolution and adaptation of the Sicilian Mafia, Calabrian ‘Ndrangheta, and Neapolitan Camorra in the post-World War II era or Shanghai’s Green Gang during Japanese occupation.
OCGs also used environmental disasters to extend their governance roles. Disruptions in the provision of necessities such as food, water, and medical supplies created opportunities for criminals to strengthen their links to the community.
For example, in September 2013, hurricane Ingrid hit the eastern coast of Mexico, causing over 30 fatalities and over $1 billion worth of damage. The Gulf Cartel, which controlled some of the hardest-hit areas, began distributing relief packages containing food and water before publicizing it on social media to amplify their audience.
Posted by: 0197409035 Natsibulina Valeriia for the final project of the course Global Governance and International Organizations